Description

This is a totally unique film recreating the assault on Arnhem by the 1st Airborne Division in September 1944. Just one year later, survivors from the 1st Airborne returned to the actual battlefield amid the ruins of the town to re-enact their heroic action for the cameras entirely without actors or sets. A real piece of British military history!

Full description from the producer:

This digitally re-mastered version of the classic World War 2 film tells the story of the Battle of Arnhem of 1944. The film was produced in 1945 and is unique amongst War films in that it was filmed entirely without the use of studios or sets or actors. The film cleverly weaves original footage with re-enactments shot on location in Arnhem featuring the men from the Airbourne Regiment who actually fought in the Battle.

After sweeping through France and Belgium in the summer of 1944 the allies were poised to enter Holland. Field Marshall Montgomery favoured a single thrust north over the Rhine to attack the Ruhr with the aim of winning the War by the end of 1944.

To achieve their objective the allies launched Operation Market Garden on 17th September 1944 but from the start the plan ran into difficulties. The paratroopers encountered fierce German resistance and suffered heavy casualties before finally being withdrawn in 9 days later.

This film is a tribute to every man who fought at Arnhem and an everlasting memorial to those who gave their lives.

Additional information